Waukegan, IL Traffic Crime Defense Attorney

Experienced Traffic Defense Lawyer Protecting Individuals in Waukegan, Illinois

A traffic violation in Illinois may be much more serious than you initially expect. Accruing enough violations on your record can result in the suspension of your driver's license, and some violations can even be prosecuted as criminal offenses. A Waukegan traffic defense attorney can work to protect your rights and privileges, keeping you informed of your options to contest an alleged violation.

Attorney Theodore Potkonjak has a storied career, having served as a former prosecutor, judge, and Special Public Defender across his career spanning four decades. You can rely on Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak to provide you with quality legal assistance for an alleged traffic violation, prioritizing your best interests from start to finish.

Handling Charges of Driving Under the Influence

When law enforcement stops a motorist on suspicion of impairment, the interaction often begins with field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer request. Refusing chemical testing carries its own penalties, including automatic license suspension under Illinois's implied consent law. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can result in fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time.

A first-time DUI offense in Illinois is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines of no more than $2,500. Subsequent convictions carry increasingly severe penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines. In addition to criminal penalties, drivers face administrative sanctions from the Secretary of State's office, such as license suspension and the possible installation of an ignition interlock device.

Defending against DUI charges may involve challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field tests, and the calibration of breath-testing machines. An experienced attorney can review police reports, cross-examine witnesses, and explore whether procedural errors occurred. Early intervention and negotiation with prosecutors may secure reduced charges or alternative sentencing options such as court supervision.

Aggravated Speeding in Illinois

Illinois defines aggravated speeding as traveling at least 26 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. This offense escalates a simple traffic ticket into a more serious misdemeanor, carrying up to six months in jail and fines that can exceed $1,000. At 35 miles or more above the speed limit, the possible maximum jail sentence increases to one year. The Secretary of State also assigns 50 points to a driver's record for a conviction of aggravated speeding.

Three traffic violation convictions within a 12-month period trigger an automatic license suspension for months at a time, or even revocation. In addition to criminal fines, a suspended license can lead to increased insurance premiums. Drivers charged with aggravated speeding should act swiftly to protect their driving privileges and avoid cascading consequences.

Legal defenses may include questioning the accuracy of speed-measuring devices such as radar and lidar, demonstrating improper calibration, or showing that the arresting officer misidentified the vehicle. A successful challenge can result in reduced charges, lower point assessments, or dismissed allegations altogether.

CDL Violations for Commercial Drivers in Waukegan

Commercial motor vehicle operators hold a higher duty of care and face stricter standards on Illinois roads. CDL holders who drive under the influence are subject to a .04 blood alcohol concentration threshold—half the limit for non-commercial drivers. A DUI conviction for a commercial driver may lead to immediate disqualification of driving privileges for at least one year, even if the offense involved a personal vehicle.

Beyond impaired driving, CDL violations include out-of-service orders, logbook falsification, and equipment defects that compromise safety. Accumulating serious offenses—such as reckless driving or driving a commercial vehicle without insurance—can result in disqualification periods of 60 days or more. Violations committed while transporting hazardous materials carry even stiffer penalties.

Commercial drivers in Waukegan must navigate both state regulations and federal Commercial Driver's License standards. A single violation has the potential to derail a career, making immediate legal guidance essential. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney can help mitigate the risk of long-term disqualification and safeguard a professional driving record.

Meet With a Waukegan, Illinois Traffic Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of a traffic offense, our experienced lawyer can help. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Waukegan, IL traffic defense attorney or call us at 847-263-1200. We represent residents of Lake County, McHenry County, Cook County, and DuPage County.